Everything You Need to Know About Limited Learner's Permits

My eldest child turned 15 last week. Everyone in North Carolina knows what that means . . . it is learner’s permit time. Unfortunately, however, we were not able to run over to DMV on his birthday and get his permit. We are still working on some prerequisites. If someone near and dear to you is approaching this milestone birthday, here is what you need to know. Classroom instruction. All public high schools in North Carolina must offer driver’s education for students  (including students who are home-schooled or are enrolled in private schools). G.S. 115C-215(a). This instruction, which consists of 30 classroom hours, must be provided outside of regular school hours. See 16 NCAC 06E .0301(a)(10). Thus, at my son’s high school, driver’s education classes are held after school, during winter break, and during the summer. Students may not enroll in the classroom portion of driver’s education until they are older than 14 years and six months. After completing the classroom portion of the course, a student may receive instruction in actual driving. Behind-the-wheel instruction. Students must complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.  G.S. 115C-215(b)(3). Each driving session conducted through the school must involve at least two but not more than four students.  See 16 NCAC 06E .0301(a)(6). The cost. Schools may charge up to $65 to each student-participant to offset the cost of providing driver education, and must provide a process for reducing or waiving the fee for students who are unable to pay. G.S. 115C-216(g). The instruction may be [...]